In 2026 we were delighted to launch the first structured three-year support programme for schools wanting to explore Integrated Education. The programme has been developed by the support organisations coming together: NICIE, DE, EA and the Integrated Education Fund.
Sub cover and other costs are provided by DE and administered by EA for the requirement to attend 3 sessions per year and undertake additional activity throughout the programme.
Year One:
The first year of the Programme is designed to enable school leaders to explore whether Integrated Education is a good fit for their school. School leaders are required to attend one session per term with other schools in the programme. In between the sessions, staff will have additional days to further explore and consider the way forward.
Year Two:
If the school decides that Integrated Education is right for them, and conditions seem favourable, they may proceed to Year 2. This year involves the initiation of the legal process and working through the statutory process.
The legal process is triggered by the BoG (or a request from parents of 20% of pupils) and the school then must hold a ballot of parents within 3 months, to determine their opinion formally. The ballot is paid for by DE.
If the ballot result is in favour of the school becoming Integrated, the BoG will submit a proposal to become Integrated to DE, via the EA. The decision as to whether a school can become Integrated rests with the Education Minister.
Year Three:
It is hoped that the school will have a decision from the Minister by the start of this year. This enable them to begin to formalise arrangements to reflect the school’s move to Integrated status. There will be statutory changes – eg the BoG will be reconstituted and other changes which are up to the school such as exploring a new vision, and/or new branding for the school.
Schools can apply for a place on the Integrated Education Support Programme at the start of each calendar year – entry will be open between approx. mid Feb and end March each year.
The programme prioritisation criteria are published annually by DE as part of the support programme document. The focus for entry is on sustainability, and schools which have higher levels of diversity from the minority community (Catholic or Protestant).
DE will give additional priority to two or more schools applying as a joint proposal for Integrated provision. Joint proposals from schools in the Controlled and Catholic Maintained sectors are particularly welcomed.
Please contact us to find out more about this year’s application process.
